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The Quantitative section of the test measures mathematical skills and understanding of elementary concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. - The GMAT Information Bulletin 2008

The section following the optional break after the AWA Section is the quantitative section. This is the first multiple-choice section you would face on the GMAT. This section has questions formulated from elementary mathematics concepts. One thing to remember is that the GMAT quantitative section is a test of quantitative reasoning rather than your regular math test. One does not need to be a math major to score high on this test. Just knowledge of basic concepts and a lot of common sense is required.

The quantitative section consists of 37 multiple choice questions, which must be answered within 75 minutes. There are two types of questions: problem solving and data sufficiency and the questions are mostly from Algebra, Geometry and Arithmetic. The quantitative section is scored from 0 to 60 points.

Problem Solving (PS):

Problem Solving questions are designed to test mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively and solve quantitative problems. The task is to solve the problems and choose the correct answer from among five answer choices. Some problems will be plain mathematical calculations; the rest will be presented as real life word problems that will require mathematical solutions.

The GMAT Problem Solving questions are formulated in such a way that there is almost always no need of lengthy computation. If you find yourself into a lengthy computation, you have most likely made a mistake.

Data Sufficiency (DS):

This question format was created especially for GMAT. More than quantitative capability, this question type tests the test-takers on abstract logical thinking. Data Sufficiency questions are designed to measure your ability to analyze a quantitative problem, to recognize which information is relevant, and to determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve the problem. Each Data Sufficiency question consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), which contain additional information. You must decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question.

As with the Problem Solving questions, the Data Sufficiency questions do not require lengthy computation. Sometimes, one does not need to do even a single step of mathematical computation to solve Data Sufficiency questions.

Each data sufficiency question has the same given choices. So memorizing them will save some time on your exam. The answer choices are as follows.

• A. Statement 1 alone is sufficient but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
• B. Statement 2 alone is sufficient but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
• C. Both statements 1 and 2 together are sufficient to answer the question but neither statement is sufficient alone.
• D. Each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question.
• E. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to answer the question asked and additional data is needed to answer the question.

Things to remember before you face the GMAT quantitative section :

1. Read the questions carefully. Missing one word (or mis-interpreting one word) in the question can prove to be dangerous.
2. You should NOT take more than 2 minutes per question on an average. If you find yourself taking more than 3 minutes for a question, make an educated guess and move on. This is extremely important.
3. You are not allowed to carry a calculator or any such device into the exam center. So practice your math !
4. Use the scratch paper provided. Try not to calculate mentally. This helps avoid careless mistakes that can creep into your calculations.
5. All numbers used in the GMAT quantitative section are real numbers.
6. The diagrams and figures that accompany the questions are for the purpose of providing useful information in answering the questions. Unless it is stated that a specific figure is not drawn to scale, the diagrams and figures are drawn as accurately as possible.
7. All figures are in a plane unless otherwise indicated.

Remember : Don’t under-estimate the GMAT. Practice your math.